EPILEPSY IN ADULTS : DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS

Εpilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders with a global prevalence of 0.6% - 1.2%. It is a serious neurological disorder related to social stigma, psychiatric co-morbidity and high financial costs. Purpose: To explore the characteristics of adults diagnosed with epilepsy. Material and Method: The study sample consisted of 100 adults with a diagnosis of epilepsy who followed periodic check-up in outpatient clinics. Data were collected by the method of interview using a questionnaire that included patients' characteristics. Results: Of 100 participants, 44 were men and 56 were women. Regarding demographic characteristics, the majority were 31-40 years (37%), married (41%), secondary education (47%), lived in Attica (81%) and were private employees (55%). In terms of clinical characteristics, in the majority of participants, diagnosis was set at the age of 20-29 years (51%), by chance  (22%), while 47% had 3 to 5 seizures in the last 12 months, 33% had a prior hospitalization  in the last two years due to crises, 77% reported periodic follow up between 2 to 4 times a year, 45% reported insomnia, and 62% reported drowsiness. Also, 76% and 72% maintained a very good relationship with nurses and medical staff, respectively. Regarding daily habits, 45% occasionally used to drink alcohol, 71% were driving car, 67% had night life   65% were current smokers while only 3% of the sample carried a health information card. Conclusions: The results of this study will inform health professionals about the characteristics of adults with epilepsy and will provide important information for the design and implementation of individualized nursing care.